Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will make his season debut after recovering from October surgery to repair a fractured left ankle.

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty is nearing his long-awaited return from a preseason ankle injury and has his sights set on more than just rejoining his NHL team. With Alex Pietrangelo withdrawing from the 4 Nations Face-Off, Doughty sees an opportunity to once again represent Team Canada.

Drew Doughty ’s long-awaited return to the Los Angeles Kings became imminent this week. The anticipation of the future Hall of Fame defenseman’s first game this season was such that Jim Hiller brought some levity to end a downbeat media session after a one-sided loss to Pittsburgh on Monday.

The calling card of the Kings during their championship years (2012, 2014), led by Doughty and center Anze Kopitar, was being a heavy, possession-savvy team, and their shot attempts percentage at 5-on-5 has once again been near the top of the NHL over the past four seasons: Kings’ recent SAT% percentages:

After Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo officially pulled out from the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off on Sunday "to tend to an ailment and prepare for the remainder of the regular season," another veteran name has emerged as Team Canada's latest addition.

The first major impact that Doughty will add is that once he is back in the mix, his presence should reshape the defensive lineup, potentially pushing players with strong seasons into reduced roles. The Kings' goaltending is much to thank for why it's been difficult to score on them; the team allows the single-most shots on goal per game.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Drew Doughty will make season debut for the Los Angeles Kings against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena on Wednesday (7 p.m. ET; FDSNW, SCRIPPS, TVAS-D).

Kings defenseman Drew Doughty will make his season debut after recovering from October surgery to repair a fractured left ankle.

Drew Doughty has been injured for several months. The Los Angeles Kings defenseman sprained his ankle on September 25.

Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been selected as the U.S. captain for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off.

Auston Matthews will serve as captain for the United States in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, and his team is the only one involved without a glaring injury question to answer.